Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen spoke about his special connection with Galatasaray fans after helping the Super Lig champions defeat Liverpool in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie, Footynaija.com reports.
Osimhen fought back tears before the game kicked off at RAMS Park on Tuesday night as Galatasaray fans displayed a tifo banner in tribute to his late mother who passed away when he was still at a tender age.
The touching banner featured images of the Super Eagles striker alongside his daughter and mother, with an emotional message that read; “We are family and family is everything”.
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Speaking after the game, Osimhen revealed that the moving gesture from Galatasaray’s fan base inspired his impressive performance against the reigning Premier League champions.
What Victor Osimhen said about Galatasaray fans
“I’ve been very happy since I arrived wearing this jersey. This jersey is very special. I wanted to do my best for these fans. I’m experiencing completely different emotions here,” he told the club’s official website.
“I lost my mother at a young age, and the fans made me very happy today. That’s why it’s so important to me. We are a family with the Galatasaray fans.”
Osimhen provided the all-important assist of the game in the opening ten minutes when his clever flick on from a corner kick found Mario Lemina, who happily applied the finishing touch to ensure a 1-0 win for Galatasaray.
Looking ahead to the second leg, the Nigeria international believes that Cimbom have what it takes to hurt Liverpool at Anfield when both sides locks horns in a decisive game next week Wednesday.
“We did a very good job today. I think we can hurt Liverpool in the return match. We’ve done a good job so far.”
For now, attention returns to the Super Lig where Galatasaray will be in action against Istanbul Basaksehir on Saturday. The Lions will be looking to extend their current run of four consecutive wins across all competitions.
